CAR signal jammers which are driving a surge in thefts will be banned under new laws.
The devices, which free locks by scrambling the signal from remote keys, are used in 40 per cent of stolen vehicle cases.
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Last year there were 132,412 cars stolen, up from 70,053 in 2013.
Under the Crime and Policing Bill, to be introduced to MPs tomorrow, anyone with a jammer faces up to five years in jail and an unlimited fine.
At present, it is against the law to have one if police can show it has been used in a theft.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “These laws will prevent the devices from getting into the hands of thieves.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “With government statistics showing an average of 370 vehicles being stolen every day, outlawing the possession and distribution of signal jammers cannot come soon enough and we welcome the government’s action on this.
“Having your car stolen is not only a violation, it causes massive amounts of stress and inconvenience as well as higher insurance costs for the individual concerned and drivers generally.”
AA president, Edmund King, said: “This is a positive step, and these tougher sentences should make would-be thieves think again before stealing cars. As fast as vehicle technology has evolved, thieves have always tried to keep pace and beat the security systems.
“Relay theft and signal jamming is all too frequent and these measures will give police forces more opportunities to tackle car crime.”
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